Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

I welcome the increase in the overseas development aid in the Estimates. However, it is a case of better late than never. As the Minister of State stated, the Government originally promised to achieve the 0.7% target by 2007. Is the Minister of State aware that the logic is that the larger the amount in the kitty, the larger the grant. One cannot jump from percentages to figures as it only confuses the issue. Obviously, if the Government had achieved the 0.7% figure, the monetary size of the grants would be much larger.

Will the increase of 0.04% per annum, required for the next five years to reach the 0.7% target, be achieved? Will the Minister of State introduce legislation to safeguard that commitment? We do not know who will be the Minister with responsibility in this area after the next election. He or she could renege on that commitment, which was made on behalf of the people. Will the Minister ensure there is not another U-turn on this matter?

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